Many people tend to skirt their annual teeth cleanings because they think their smile is doing just fine or that the oral hygiene they practice at home is sufficient enough. While our Southgate, MI, dentists can understand the hesitancy, they do still stress the importance of coming in to see us on a regular basis.

In fact, here are 3 advantages to getting your teeth professionally cleaned on time every year.

Different Types of Teeth Cleanings

Did you know that there are various levels of dental cleanings beyond the standard option, also known as prophylaxis? That’s right, though most patients who primarily have healthy teeth and gums will receive the routine type when they visit our Southgate, MI, dental office every 6 months.

If you’ve been a bit forgetful or shy about having your teeth cleaned, our hygienists may take it up a notch and move forward with what’s referred to as “gross debridement”. The name may sound a little funky, but it’s basically just a cleaning that targets extensive plaque buildup and may take slightly longer than prophylaxis. This type of cleaning is also best for uncovering possible issues that maybe were missed prior to this treatment.

Lastly, for patients with gum disease, we’ll recommend you undergo scaling and root planing which is essentially a deeper cleaning. For this procedure, our hygienists work above and below the gum line to remove bacteria, plaque, and tartar. Scaling and root planing is performed to reduce inflammation and promote healthy reattachment of gum tissue to teeth.

Keeping Up With Scheduled Cleanings Can Help:

1. Prevent Future Dental Issues

A main purpose of regular teeth cleanings is to stave off common dental issues like cavities and gum disease. Our hygienists can remove built-up plaque and tartar, which, if left untreated, can lead to more serious problems.

By maintaining a clean and healthy mouth, you reduce the risk of needing more invasive and costly dental procedures down the road. Our dentists don’t want to have to resort to tooth extraction later on so make time for your smile now before it’s too late.

2. Freshen Breath and Whiten Teeth

Teeth cleanings not only remove pesky surface stains left behind by recent enough meals but they also help eliminate bacteria that can cause bad breath. After our hygienists clear away hardened plaque and tartar, you will be able to enjoy a fresher, more confident smile that can boost your self-esteem and interactions with others at work or elsewhere.

3. Provide Overall Health Benefits

Good oral health is closely linked to your overall well-being. Research over the years has shown that oral health is connected to various systemic conditions, including heart disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems.

By keeping your teeth and gums in top shape through regular cleanings, you can reduce the risk of these potential health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life.

Give Our Office a Call Today

While it isn’t the most exciting way to spend part of your day, our dentists serving Southgate and Greater Detroit, MI, still suggest you receive a teeth cleaning twice a year to maintain a healthy smile. Call Northline Dental today at (734) 284-8088 to request an appointment.